Persian Odyssey to Shiraz, Isfahan and Tehran

Visit a trio of Iran’s finest cities to discover Persian treasures and modern Islamic daily life. See spirited Tehran, the country’s marketplace, romantic Shiraz with its miles of roses, and beautiful Isfahan, its arched bridges glowing in the evening light. This overland journey gives you a chance to learn about the history of this ancient land, to meet its modern inhabitants and to gain understanding of their culture.

Smell the roses of Shiraz

Shiraz, Iran

Explore Persepolis, ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kingsAwaken to ancient history as you stand in the shadow of the colossal marble pillars of Persepolis, ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings and a celebrated...

Flexible Essential Trips are well-designed private tour itineraries already researched and ready to book on the dates you choose. Great for solo travelers, couples, or private parties who prefer to travel independently but appreciate a savvy pre-designed program. Group size is flexible.

Itinerary & Highlights at a Glance

Days 1-2: Tehran

In Tehran, a city buzzing with energy, visit the Glass and Ceramics Museum and UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace.

Highlights

Sa’ad Abad Palace, former residence of the deposed royal family of Iran

Days 6-8: Isfahan

Experience Isfahan, its spacious UNESCO-listed Imam Square flanked by three tiled and filigreed mosques. Admire the luminous bridges over the Zayendeh River and spectacular Friday Mosque, one of the world’s greatest.

Highlights

Isfahan’s Maiden-e Naghsh-e Jahan or Imam Square, among the world’s most beautiful squares, and a UNESCO Site

Ali-Qapu Palace, gateway to the other royal palaces

Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam mosques, renowned for their complex tilework

Flexible Essential Trips are well-designed private tour itineraries already researched and ready to book on the dates you choose. Great for solo travelers, couples, or private parties who prefer to travel independently but appreciate a savvy pre-designed program. Group size is flexible.

2019 Dates

Group Size

Pricing is based on a minimum of 2 travelers on this trip. Call for solo trip pricing.

Private trip prices vary by season and are subject to hotel availability for your travel dates. Hotel upgrades, additional nights and solo traveler prices are available on request.

What’s Included

On Your Tour

Shared accommodations in well-located superior tourist class (three to four star) hotels throughout. Call for hotel and air upgrade prices.

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 1 dinner, per the itinerary. A few lunches and most dinners are left free so you may enjoy a chance to dine on your own.

Services of a National Guide with local guides at specific sites.

One arrival and one departure transfer. (Additional arrival and departure transfers available at additional cost.) MIR will arrange for travelers to be met upon arrival and seen off on departure, whether we make your air arrangements or not.

Ground transportation throughout itinerary by private car or van (size of vehicle depends on group size).

Guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as outlined in itinerary.

Before Your Tour

Personalized pre-departure support from one of our knowledgeable Tour Specialists.

Flexible Essential Trips are well-designed private tour itineraries already researched and ready to book on the dates you choose. Great for solo travelers, couples, or private parties who prefer to travel independently but appreciate a savvy pre-designed program. Group size is flexible.

Prepare for Your Trip

International Airfare

MIR's in-house, full-service air department will gladly assist with your air travel needs.

Travel Insurance

Stay a Little Longer…

This program is designed to start on a Saturday, but it could begin any day of the week, and can run in any 10-day time period, making it the perfect tour to link to other small group tour programs. Perhaps you would like to experience the South Caucasus countries, Central Asia, Western Russia, or Eastern Europe. All of MIR’s destinations are open to you, and all can be attached to this program. Please contact MIR for more details about exciting options for extended travel.

Read our Travel Journals

Follow along with seasoned MIR Tour Manager, Michel Behar, as he blogs his way through MIR's Ancient Persia - Modern Iran small group tour. Spend each day with him as he recounts his favorite traditional Persian foods, his discoveries at the outdoor markets, and his impressions of the gardens, art and architecture of Iran.... Read More

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From the Blog

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Traveler Reviews

“The trip was wonderful. It had an excellent itinerary, was professionally guided, and the activities were more than adequate–and elegant in some cases. We also liked the tour group, its size, and the transportation. I will definitely travel again with MIR–and I hope to return to Iran and Turkmenistan.”- T. Lucas - Seattle, WA